This is a real boost for Shropshire cricket as a whole and provides a genuine opportunity to which all ‘veteran’ cricketers from within the County can aspire.

He will be joined by Andrew Clarke (Oswestry) who has been invited to manage and coordinate the 2016 Tour.

Arrangements and itinerary are still to be finalised but it is expected to include around 12 matches of which at least three will be ‘test’ matches against the full Australian side.

Players have to fund the trip themselves but the tour committee will be actively searching for sponsors early in the New Year to try and minimise the burden on the players themselves.

Foster said "It’s a great honour to be asked to captain the squad and I am really looking forward to the trip. The matches will be very competitive but just as importantly will be played in a very good spirit.

"The Shropshire Cricket Board, Shropshire County Cricket Club and all the other partner organisations within the county do a tremendous job to provide opportunities for and support to all ages and levels of cricketers – it’s great to know that later in life other opportunities are still available!"

The SCB supports teams who represent the county in The ECB Over 50, and Seevent Over 60 national competitions.

Anyone interested in playing veterans cricket for Shropshire next year or who may be able to support the tour by providing sponsorship for the Seevent England 60+ team should in the first instance contact the Shropshire Cricket Board. shrop.board@btconnect.com